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Farah Rumy is young, self-confident and new to the National Council. SRF accompanied the Solothurn native on her first day in Bern.
Even before Farah Rumy had her first taste of the National Council, she became a media star. 31 years young, Sri Lankan roots, from Grenchen (SO). As a nursing specialist, she is committed to her profession and surprisingly made the jump from the cantonal parliament to Bern. The media was all over her on the first day of the session.
What drives the young politician? SRF was able to accompany her on her first day of work in Bern.
SP cantonal councilor Farah Rumy came in first place in the National Council elections and was able to move up to the national parliament when party mate Franziska Roth was elected as Councilor of States in the second round.
Rumy is president of the Solothurn Nursing Association, a qualified nursing specialist and a vocational school teacher. She was very active in the voting campaign for the nursing initiative, spoke at rallies and gave nurses a voice. She is also co-president of the SP migrants in the canton of Solothurn.
Overwhelmed and proud
The election and the first day in the Federal Palace were exciting, said the young Grenchner: “I am completely overwhelmed. I’ve barely slept enough in the last two weeks.”
Also there on the day in Bern: Farah Rumy’s father. Rumy says he was proud and was moved to tears on election day. “Many in the family always thought I belonged in national politics. I thought I was still young. But of course I’m very happy.”
Legend:
New National Councilor Farah Rumy (left) and new Councilor of States Franziska Roth, both SP, after the second round of the Council of States elections in the canton of Solothurn.
Keystone/Anthony Annex
Farah Rumy thinks the swearing-in ceremony in the large hall with so many people was a highlight of the day. Your wish for a seat in the parliamentary chamber was fulfilled: not at the front, unlike in the cantonal parliament. She now sits next to the Graubünden National Councilor Jon Pult (SP).
Newspaper in Sri Lanka mentioned her
Rumy came to Switzerland when she was six years old. The election of the Grenchner was also talked about in Sri Lanka. The online newspaper «Colombo Times” mentioned the young woman when she made it to the Solothurn cantonal parliament in 2021: “Farah Rumy, born in Sri Lanka (…) is set to take her place in the Solothurn Parliament after last Sunday’s election,” it said here.
I can represent a side in Parliament that is underrepresented.
The migration background is important, but not the most important thing, says Farah Rumy. The track record should count. Many people with roots in Sri Lanka or India would have congratulated her. “I can represent a side in parliament that is underrepresented there, and that makes people happy.”
High-flyer and health politician
Why is Switzerland interested in the young woman? “She has the self-confidence of young people,” “Grenchner shooting star,” “high-flyer,” “she could become a defining voice,” were headlines from various media outlets.
Legend:
A selfie in the Federal Palace: The newly elected SP national councilors Andrea Zryd (BE) and Farah Rumy (SO) photograph themselves at the reception day for the newly elected council members at the end of November.
Keystone/Peter Klaunzer
What does Rumy say himself? The Covid pandemic, the care initiative – this activated her politically, says the young woman. The parents and grandmother were always interested in politics. “The children’s opinions were sought after, so their political interest was aroused early on.”
She now wants to position herself in parliament as a health politician and continue to advocate for nursing professionals. She feels the responsibility and has respect for the office. The Solothurn native promises that she wants to do a good job and sets off for the next interview.